Homebrew PCBs

We used them as spark gaps during CE surge testing. The problem is that once they fire, you may get carbon tracks, but they are cheaper than gas tubes. One key thing is to not use solder mask over them, as when it vaporizes carbon tracks are assured.

We also used them as cut to select options when using one pcb assembly for multiple products.Its a lot easier to cut through a party hat with a xacto knife, than any other trace.
Ron
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Dave Mucha 
  To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Tuesday, September 09, 2003 8:58 PM
  Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: makeing party hat traces


  --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "crankorgan" <john@k...> wrote:
  > Dave,
  >      When a building is struck by lightning, long runs of wires in 
  > the building like Alarms and Computer networks, receive an induced 
  > high voltage. Some circuits use a spark gap.  The gap can be a 
  simple 
  > gap to ground or a solid state device. The old devices looked like 
  > tubes. My guess is the are spark gaps....then again they could be 
  > test points.
  >                                                   John  


  I'd go for the spark gaps.  there are pleanty of individual posts 
  lableled TP3 and such.

  but it seems a strike would wipe out the whole board, even with some 
  drain.

  Dave




        Yahoo! Groups Sponsor 
              ADVERTISEMENT
             
       
       

  Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Bookmarks and files:
  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBs

  To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
  Homebrew_PCBs-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com



  Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service. 


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]